I'm Not Any More Boring Because I'm A College Girl Who Doesn't Party

Starting my first year of college this semester has been filled with seeing people on social media at parties almost, from what it feels like, every weekend. If this is the lifestyle you want to live, go for it, I'm NOT judging you at any costs. Don't get me wrong, it's always good to go out and have fun every once in a while, and I'm totally okay with doing it sometimes but going out every weekend to party is just not for me. It's never been how I've wanted to be, and I'll always stand by that.

I just don't want to be spending my money on things drinks all the time when I have other priorities, because alcohol, for the most part, is expensive. I just don't want to be the one that has partying be the biggest aspect of my life, but I also feel like I don't want to be the one that is going to be alone if I don't go.

It just gets aggravating when it gets to the point where I feel like I can't hang out with people unless it's going out to party. It gets aggravating when you're labeled by the adults in your life that you're automatically immature because you're in college. It gets aggravating hearing the thoughts to some adults when all they say is that all we do is "like to party", because there's actually a good chunk of us that don't like to.

College students are actually some of the hardest working people you'll meet, even the ones that do always go out to party to enjoy their weekends.

It gets aggravating because there's also that other big chunk of college students that, of course, go out to party on their weekends. It feels harder to actually find people that genuinely would like to go do something else with. I'm the type of person that would rather spend a Friday night doing things like going to the mall, taking random Target trips, heading out to Taco Bell, going driving to any random new places that we could find, going for a walk, and even if it's something like casually smoking a joint at your house as we watch a movie.

Anything other than just going over a persons house to get black out drunk all the time, because most of the time as well, it's really dangerous late at night in those situations. I just enjoy that type of change of always trying different things.

Like I said, of course it's OKAY to have fun and go out, go for it, but that type of life is genuinely not for me and it's not how I am. It just sucks when I have to always feel like I'm in that stereotype. It makes me feel like I don't work hard enough and that I always go slack off, which isn't the case whatsoever. It's just how I feel personally and it sucks that I have to feel like that in 2018, with how diverse each person is compared to one another. For me, I just look at it as, why go out and risk something happening when you can just stay home, relax, and just watch some House Hunters or something?

It's Time To Thank Your First Roommate

Nostalgic feelings have recently caused me to reflect back on my freshman year of college. No other year of my life has been filled with more ups and downs, and highs and lows, than freshman year. Throughout all of the madness, one factor remained constant: my roommate. It is time to thank her for everything. These are only a few of the many reasons to do so, and this goes for roommates everywhere.

You have been through all the college "firsts" together.

If you think about it, your roommate was there through all of your first college experiences. The first day of orientation, wishing you luck on the first days of classes, the first night out, etc. That is something that can never be changed. You will always look back and think, "I remember my first day of college with ____."

You were even each other's first real college friend.

You were even each other's first real college friend.

Months before move-in day, you were already planning out what freshman year would be like. Whether you previously knew each other, met on Facebook, or arranged to meet in person before making any decisions, you made your first real college friend during that process.

The transition from high school to college is not easy, but somehow you made it out on the other side.

It is no secret that transitioning from high school to college is difficult. No matter how excited you were to get away from home, reality hit at some point. Although some people are better at adjusting than others, at the times when you were not, your roommate was there to listen. You helped each other out, and made it through together.

Late night talks were never more real.

Remember the first week when we stayed up talking until 2:00 a.m. every night? Late night talks will never be more real than they were freshman year. There was so much to plan for, figure out, and hope for. Your roommate talked, listened, laughed, and cried right there with you until one of you stopped responding because sleep took over.

You saw each other at your absolute lowest.

It was difficult being away from home. It hurt watching relationships end and losing touch with your hometown friends. It was stressful trying to get in the swing of college level classes. Despite all of the above, your roommate saw, listened, and strengthened you.

...but you also saw each other during your highest highs.

After seeing each other during the lows, seeing each other during the highs was such a great feeling. Getting involved on campus, making new friends, and succeeding in classes are only a few of the many ways you have watched each other grow.

There was so much time to bond before the stresses of college would later take over.

Freshman year was not "easy," but looking back on it, it was more manageable than you thought at the time. College only gets busier the more the years go on, which means less free time. Freshman year you went to lunch, dinner, the gym, class, events, and everything else possible together. You had the chance to be each other's go-to before it got tough.

No matter what, you always bounced back to being inseparable.

Phases of not talking or seeing each other because of business and stress would come and go. Even though you physically grew apart, you did not grow apart as friends. When one of you was in a funk, as soon as it was over, you bounced right back. You and your freshman roommate were inseparable.

The "remember that one time, freshman year..." stories never end.

Looking back on freshman year together is one of my favorite times. There are so many stories you have made, which at the time seemed so small, that bring the biggest laughs today. You will always have those stories to share together.

The unspoken rule that no matter how far apart you grow, you are always there for each other.

It is sad to look back and realize everything that has changed since your freshman year days. You started college with a clean slate, and all you really had was each other. Even though you went separate ways, there is an unspoken rule that you are still always there for each other.

Your old dorm room is now filled with two freshmen trying to make it through their first year. They will never know all the memories that you made in that room, and how it used to be your home. You can only hope that they will have the relationship you had together to reflect on in the years to come.

An Open Letter To The Place I've Called Home These Past Three Years

I don't even know where to start, but I guess I'll start by simply saying thank you. Thank you for supporting me in every aspect of my life. When I applied at 15-years-old I had no idea how much this restaurant, how much this family would mean to me. In all honesty, most of what's happened here I didn't expect and I certainly didn't expect to feel this kind of loss over leaving you.

But as I get ready to say goodbye, I do know that each and every person I've worked with along the way has made an everlasting impact on me. I wouldn't be the person I am today without every single one of you, I can't stress that enough. Thank you for letting me learn from you and be a part of your lives. Thank you for letting me be a part of this family, it was an honor and a privilege to spend these last three years with all of you. Thank you for all the undying love and support you have shown me and my family. I mean it when I say that I wouldn't change a minute of it for the world. Pier 500 will always be one of my favorite chapters.

So as this final ride comes to an end and I walk out the back door one final time, I want everyone to know that I gave you everything I had. I want you to know that I am not going to forget you and I am not going to forget where I came from. I cherish the time I spent here and I'm more grateful than I could ever put into words. This restaurant and this team will always be my good thing.